Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 July 2020
233. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which bereavement grants or equivalent continue to be processed expeditiously; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19502/20]
View answerThere are a range of supports available from my Department for people following a bereavement.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, the Department may make an exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income. An application can be made under the ENP scheme for assistance with funeral and burial expenses where there is an inability to pay these costs, in part or in full, by the family of the deceased person without causing hardship.
Other supports available include the widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner’s (contributory and non-contributory) pension which is a weekly payment, based on contributions or a means test. The widowed or surviving civil partner grant is a once-off payment of €6,000 where there is a dependent child. A number of social welfare payments, including State pension, continue in payment for six weeks following a death. Guardian payments are available where someone cares for an orphaned child.
Provision of a prompt service is a major objective for the Department’s staff, especially for the SWA scheme which is the safety net within the social welfare system. The ENP scheme is demand led and payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance. ENP applications are examined promptly by the Department given the nature and sometimes urgency of the need presented.
If the Deputy has concerns in respect of a particular case he should bring it to the attention of the Department.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
